Simple Gossip from the UES

Gossip Girl is a show about a group of teenagers growing up in the Upper East Side. I have never watched that show and I am not interested in watching it when season 3 is supposed to return in the fall. As a midwestern-indian girl living in the Upper East Side, I am fascinated by the stereotypes floating around about people living around me.

The UES is a neighborhood enclave perfectly set-up in-between Central Park and the East River. Historically known to be a haven for New York establishment, walking in the quaint streets along the prized addresses closer to central park, one can easily spot little proud old ladies in fur coats or perfectly uniformed expressionless children accompanied by similar looking mothers taking them to private school. Museums and cultural attractions are in abundance; diverse restaurants dot the street; luxury boutique stores and cozy cafes can be found everywhere. A sub-culture has formed in this neighborhood. Little by little, the sub-culture that is the Upper East Side is shifting away. Many ‘outsiders’ have moved in and are gradually changing the establishment. In addition, many wealthy New Yorkers, including celebrities and young people are dumping the neighborhood and moving to more trendy neighborhoods such as Tribeca or Soho.

Yesterday, a group of confused tourists with backpacks asked me for directions, while I was standing on 79th and Lex. For a second, I thought - Do I look like an Upper East Sider, let alone a New Yorker? I don't think so, but maybe a neighborhood has some effect on its residents, whether they are part of the establishment or whether they are ‘outsiders’. Maybe, one day, you could find me in the Upper West Side or in Soho living among another sub-culture and tourists asking me for directions then. In any case, I do know that you won’t find me among the proud little old ladies or the expressionless faces that can so often be spotted around here. I grew up learning that a friendly smile won’t hurt anyone and a little humility can go a long way.

Bon Apetit!!

Another blog devoted to food? How can I not write about the wonderful assortment of food in one of the most ethnic friendly cities in the world? This weekend, I was having my regular saturday morning omelette when the craving for a kati roll set in. I didn't get a kati roll that day, but that night I had the opportunity to sample an ethiopian restuarant in hell's kitchen. It is called Meskerem and it had much larger space than Queen of Sheba nearby. After tasting the dinner entree, I give more points to Queen of Sheba. In terms of ambiance and space, Meskerem is better. However, they insisted that each person order a separate entree even though the group was large. Anyways, it probably explains why it is hard to find a spot in Queen of Sheba.

Now, back to kati rolls. I had never tasted a kati roll before I came to NYC. For those of you who have never tasted this delicious ensemble of a wrap, it is basically a paratha stuffed with spices, potatoes, chicken tikka, or lamb. I had two kati rolls on sunday - a chicken roll and a shami kabob. As if that wasn't enough, my friend and I ended up going to Max Brenners Chocolate Factory after that. I didn't know Max Brenners had good smoothies. The fruit smoothie that consisted of strawberry, mango, passion fruit, banana and orange with ice was heavenly.

So, now that I made my readers hungry here are links to the restaurants mentioned in this blog:

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/meskerem-ethiopian-restaurant01/

http://www.shebanyc.com/

http://www.thekatirollcompany.com/

http://www.maxbrenner.com/

Spring in the City

Spring in NY. The tourists start coming, but have not fully occupied the streets. Leaves start growing in different shades of green. Tulips start blooming and I see more smiles than frowns. Central park is swarming with fluttering birds, young leaves, growing flowers, shimmering water, and happy children. There is a beautiful optimism that grows out of the cold bitterness of late winter. Smiley outdoor vendors are starting to sell an assortment of ice-cream and chilled juices. The grey snow and black ice that covered the corners of sidewalks have turned into yellow and red flower beds. Seasons are a reminder to us that change occurs and that life is a continuous cycle of birth, glory, sadness, happiness, death, and remembrance.

NY is a continous flow of personalities from every corner of the world - speaking different languages, eating different foods, and continuously adding to its aura. Among the yellow lines that dot the street and the concrete walls that tower a bold and powerful city, I still manage to spot a bright spring flower, a playful baby, or an unexpected smile.